OTTAWA — Canada's top medical official has spoken out for the first time about the steep increase in COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay.
Dr. Theresa Tam, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, says the situation in the city shows how quickly the virus can spread in any community, and why it's important to take preventative measures early.
Tam was replying Tuesday to a question about Thunder Bay during a media briefing in Ottawa.
She was asked if the Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring the situation, given that the city is currently experiencing the highest number of COVID-19 cases per capita.
A reporter wanted to know if Tam had any insight as to what's happened in Thunder Bay, and whether she feels the Ontario government should enhance its response by declaring the city a hot zone
Tam answered that that falls into provincial jurisdiction.
However, she said she's aware of the situation in Thunder Bay, and feels it provides some lessons for the country.
A "key message" about what's happening in the city, Tam said, is that areas that were less affected by COVID-19 in the past "can easily become the next hot spot."
She said the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Thunder Bay also demonstrates why it's important to give as much support as possible to people living in vulnerable settings.
"Whether it's congregate living or shelters or other more vulnerable settings...because it actually has community impact as well. The virus knows no borders, and if it affects certain high-risk groups, it's going to impact the rest of the community."
She said this makes it imperative to advance vaccination programs in Thunder Bay and elsewhere as quickly as possible.
"Any place could become a hot spot, and the key again is to act fast so you can get out of that crisis situation fast."
Tam said the Public Health Agency of Canada can provide technical support to the province in situations such as Thunder Bay's, but there's also potential for federal support with isolation sites or supplies for people who are required to abide by public health measures.
